KEY WEST, Fla. — A Cuban airliner carrying 29 passengers was hijacked Wednesday night and landed under U.S. military escort in Key West, U.S. authorities said.
Six hijackers took over the plane and surrendered to authorities in Key West, said FBI spokeswoman Judy Orihuela in Miami.
She did not know if any of the hijackers, passengers or six crew members were hurt.
"All I have right now is that it was resolved," Orihuela said.
Air Force fighter jets were sent from Homestead Air Force Base, and escorted the Douglas DC-3 to Key West International Airport, officials said.
Air traffic controllers at Miami International Airport spotted the plane on radar about 7:45 p.m. and were unable to make voice contact, said FAA spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen.
The aircraft landed a little after 8 p.m., and the passengers were released about a half hour later, Bergen said.
The plane originated from the Isle of Youth, off the main island's southern coast, Bergen said.
It was still on the runway more than an hour after it landed, said sheriff's spokeswoman Becky Herrin.
The alleged hijackers were in FBI custody and the passengers were being interviewed by U.S. Customs agents, she said.
"The hijackers were separated fairly quickly from the passengers and crew. Everyone's OK," Herrin said.
